Poland: prices of apple and pears got even with

Warsaw - It seems like apple and pears can become a luxury fruit in Poland this year. They are very expensive as for Poland already, because of poor harvest. For one kilogram one have to pay 0,80-1,05 €/kg depending on the variety. At the same time of last year prices were at the level of 0,50-0,66 €/kg. Pears are even more expensive – 1,05-1,32 €/kg on average, comparing with 0,50 €/kg last year.The growers worst forecasts became truth – because of spring frosts in May crops will be by half smaller than in 2006. “ I lost 90% of fruit. I was able to harvest only 2 or 3 apples from each tree. The average crop of pears from my orchard was usually about 6 MT, this year I harvested 6 boxes only” – says Marek Grochowalski, fruit grower from Glowno. “I should already put Lobo apples in cold storage at this time, but it looks like I will not use it at all because there is nothing to store. All the apples picked from the orchard I sell on the market immediately. Before first frost everything will be sold.” – he continues. Lack of domestic apples can become a problem in Poland during winter and spring. Additionally the apple harvest in Eastern Europe countries which are traditional importers of Polish fruit wasn’t good as well. It looks like Poles will eat more oranges and bananas this winter rather than domestic fruit, because prices of those fruit probably will be comparable. At the moment bananas are sold at 1,19-1,32 €/kg and oranges at 1,32 €/kg.The average prices of apples and pears at Warsaw Wholesale Market Bronisze on September 24th 2007

http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=8250
Publication date:
9/25/2007Author: FreshPlaza Correspondent PolandCopyright: www.freshplaza.com